This shows the Growth of the Hapsburg Empire over the course of many centuries.

The Hapsburg Empire was a house, which became a major European power over time. It originated in Austria and spread out to many countries. It was not a unified country, but more of many regions with rulers that were of the same house. They were a major power in the Catholic church and were looked highly upon because most of the Holy Roman Empires after 1445 were of the Habsburg house. In order to gain its power there were several instances were there was intermarriages for example cousin to cousin or uncle to niece. Eventually there were some genetic issues for example Charles II of Spain had serious disabilities. It rose to power in the year 1278 and ruled until 1918 when the WWI was over.